The Mackinac Bridge is under a high wind advisory and gale warnings are in place across the Great Lakes Monday, Nov. 3, as winds are predicted to reach nearly 50 mph.
Gale warnings and small craft advisories are in place for northern Lake Michigan, Lake Superior and Lake Huron throughout Monday, Nov. 3, with winds predicted to reach 40-49 mph and create waves from 15 feet high in places. The highest waves will be along the coastline of Lake Superior and along Lake Michigan.
“Mariners should alter plans to avoid these hazardous conditions. Remain in port, seek safe harbor, alter course, and/or secure the vessel for hazardous conditions,” the National Weather Service warned.
A wind advisory is in place for the Keweenaw Peninsula and northern Houghton counties in the Upper Peninsula with predicted 45 mph wind gusts.
“Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result,” the NWS Marquette office said.
Mackinac Bridge officials recorded the highest wind gust Monday morning, 49 mph, prompting an advisory and escorts across the span for vulnerable vehicles like motorcycles, pickup trucks with campers and other high-profile vehicles.
From the Detroit River to North Cape, a low water advisory was issued for Lake Erie for abnormally low water levels caused by strong winds pushing the lake waters east away from the shore.
Here’s what to know about Monday’s warnings and advisories.
How high will the waves get on Lake Michigan?
From St. Joseph to Manistee, southwest winds are expected to be 23-28 mph, and waves are forecast to be 6-11 feet.
From Manistee north to Grand Traverse Bay, and west of the Mackinac Bridge, waves are forecast to reach 10 feet.
How high will the waves get on Lake Superior?
The highest waves, 15 feet, are forecast from Manitou Island to Marquette, Grand Marais, and Whitefish Point on Lake Superior.
From Black River to Ontonagon and Eagle River, on the western shore of the Keweenaw, 7-13 foot waves are expected.
How high will the waves get on Lake Huron?
On Lake Huron, the largest waves are expected to grow to 10-14 feet. The inner Saginaw Bay area is expected to see 5-7 foot waves.
What does a gale warning mean?
The warning forecasts sustained surface winds, or frequent gusts, in the range of 34 knots (39 mph) to 47 knots (54 mph), either predicted or occurring, and not directly associated with a tropical cyclone, the NWS glossary explains.
What does a small craft advisory mean?
A small craft advisory is issued when there are expected sustained winds of 22 knots or frequent gusts of 25 knots or greater, or combined seas of 10 feet or more.
Small crafts include owners of small to medium sized motor and sail boats, affecting fisherman, para-sailors, windsurfers and canoe paddlers.
Contact Sarah Moore @ smoore@lsj.com
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Michigan’s gales of November are here. Where there are warnings across Great Lakes
Reporting by Sarah Moore, Lansing State Journal / Lansing State Journal
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